City Baby

It is really hard to like anyone in David Morgan's me generation debut film about absolutely nothing. With all the people dropping dead in Africa and Syria where do people come off making movies as meaningless as this one. The lead female part, played by a Portland model, can't carry a film, and the character of the stupid gay theater manager, played by City Baby producer Timothy Whitcomb, feels like someone dug up from the 1970's trying to be Nathan Lane. The camera work is competent, but it never rises above antenna television. Production design was okay too, but nothing to write home about. I love indie movies and watch a lot of them, but this one felt really out of touch. Honestly, I couldn't tell you what this is about.

For the most part I agree with some of the others, just maybe not as harsh. The main criticism I have is that the movie looks a whole lot better than it is. Thirty years ago a film like this one would have been made with a super eight camera or even on home video, but today, because of the easy access to Canons and Red and Epic cameras, it's fairly easy for even the greenest of new filmmakers to make a movie that looks pretty good if only on the surface. Bottom line, there's way too much attention given here to composing a slick look and not enough to imagining a passionate story with convincing, memorable performances. The music helps you get through it.

I know I've seen a good film when it leaves me wanting more when it's over. That's "City Baby." I'd love to see more of Cloey and Paige. I had the pleasure of interviewing the actresses behind those characters, Cora Benesh and Jillian Leigh, and they could not have been any cooler or fun. I love a good indie film and this is definitely one. I want to have a beer with this movie (and Cora and Jillian). I would love to see them in another project together. Daniel Baldwin is great in his few scenes too. There's some good improv, music, and attitude to this film. So watch the movie and read the interview here! http://thedodgy.com/2014/04/25/city-babes/

"In every man's heart there is a secret nerve that answers to the vibrations of beauty." If you go to www.bing.com.. you will see from the numerous images of her, she is even much more beautiful than in the majority of the City Baby film. But as for the movie itself, it's really just okay... the majority of reviewers got it right. As such, she'll have to wait for another opportunity to prove her acting talent. And some voice lessons in the meantime could be useful as well... there's many scenes in the film where just the sound of her voice becomes extremely irritating. Part might have been determined by the role she's playing, and if it's all put on, well then maybe she really does have some talent. (But having such a beautiful young woman play at times such an irritating character, well if that's what ur going for).

I totally agree with all of what "feelsgoodalot" said in their review. So, I will say ditto, and go ahead and expand on it. First off, I'm unsure why this film is getting lower user ratings in the 4s at the moment. What are some peeps wanting to make them rate this movie so poorly? Granted, truth told, as a local actor myself, I do know a few people in the cast, but with me, that can sometimes be a bad thing because I can be ultra critical of talent, especially with those that I know. That being said, there were many actors I didn't know before watching this piece, namely the two lead actresses, of whom I walked out of the theater completely enamored with their performances (as well as many of the others). The acting is fresh and natural. Not a weak link in the bunch. Yes, of course, just about everybody is pretty to look at, but these aren't just some hot models spouting their lines. They delivered complex and compelling performances that just rocked the screen. Plus, I did not know the director or DP, but this is a well-crafted film. Took a fairly simple storyline (at least appears so on the surface until you dig a little deeper into the brilliant subtleties that abound) and peppered it with rich camera angles, purposeful lighting, well-timed editing, and a layering of different moods. The local music and beautiful Portland backdrop were characters also all in themselves. Watch this movie and you will perhaps see people you will recognize from your own life. You may not agree with the characters' choices (for good reason), but you are bound to empathize with them, which is the true mark of any great film, even a sweet indie film such as this. I hear this movie is showing on the biggie again soon in LA at the Dances With Films festival. If you're around, I suggest you check it out. And if not, find it elsewhere and dive in.